Concerns linger over Jonathan, Tambuwal’s relationship

by: AUGUSTINE AVWODE

Tongues have been wagging about the relationship between the nation’s number one citizen, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal. The insinuation is that between them, there is no love lost.
The position has been fueled by recent developments, particularly, the absence of the Speaker from the Independence Day celebration ceremony in Aso Villa, Abuja, on Monday.
Besides, the hard-line posture of the House in respect of the 2012 Budget, and its threat to institute impeachment proceedings against the President on account of alleged poor implementation of the said budget is seen as a direct fallout of the frosty relationship between the two chieftains of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Today, the House has indicated that, despite the communication from the President that he would be willing to present the outlay of his fiscal plan for 2013 today, it would be unwilling to receive the budget.
Last week, the House rejected the request and hinged its decision on the conflict between the President’s date and the time frame the lower chamber set for oversight of projects executed by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The President had written to inform the two chambers of the National Assembly of his plan to present the 2013 budget today. However, House spokesman, Honourable Zakari Mohammed, declared soon after, that the lawmakers would not be available to receive the President.
In his words: “We are going on oversight and will not be back until October 9.” He stressed that the House would not accept the 2013 Budget until it was satisfied with the implementation of this year’s budget. The House had projected that it would begin oversight of projects by the MDAs from on October 1, to ascertain claims by them of what they have done so far. Zakari dismissed the insinuation that the House’s decision not to receive President Jonathan was in furtherance of the rift between the House and the Executive, saying “There is no rift between us. It is purely on the ground of what I told you.” Instructively, the House accepted the medium-term budget sent by the Presidency after a meeting with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, two weeks ago. Media Adviser to the Speaker, Alhaji Imam Imam, told The Nation yesterday that there is no truth in the insinuation that the relationship between the President and the Speaker is frosty. He attributed the failure of the Speaker to be present at the Villa for the Independence Day ceremony to flight logistic.
“There is no iota of truth in that insinuation or speculation. How can people make a mountain out of a mole hill? The Speaker was in Abeokuta on Sunday to commiserate with the family of the late Lateef Adegbite, after which he attended several meetings in Lagos. But he made it clear that we must depart Lagos by the first flight, probably by 6 a.m. But then, because of logistics problems in the arrangement, he was delayed. He quickly got in touch with the Deputy Speaker to represent the House as an institution. Those who are peddling this rumour, don’t they know what protocol is about? How would the Speaker just walk into an arena when the President, Vice-President and the President of the Senate were already seated?”, Imam asked.
He pointed at the appointment of the Speaker to head the Presidential Committee to dialogue with Saudi authorities over the detention and deportation of Nigerian female pilgrims last week as a testimony that both leaders are matured enough to realise that Nigerian interest must not be made to suffer at any point in time.
He asked rhetorically, would the President appoint the person he is not in love with into such a committee?
Tambuwal was named chairman of the Presidential Committee saddled with the responsibility of dialoguing with the Saudi authorities to resolve the issues that led to the detention of over 1000 Nigerian female pilgrims. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator Anyim Pius Anyim announced the Committee. However, Imam said the insistence of the House to ensure compliance with the implementation of the budget is a matter of principle. And that any rational thinking Nigerian should not fault the House. “I don’t speak for the House, but you must allow me say that the issue of budget implementation has been a major bane for all administrations in this country and if the House says we can’t continue like that, I think we should listen to them than say it is a way to run down the executive or a fall out of the relationship between two people. It is the welfare of Nigerians that is at stake, I hope we all know that. As far as I know, there is no personal grudge between these two eminent Nigerians. And I want to crave the indulgence of Nigerians not to give mischief makers room to flourish in our body politics”, he explained.
Political observers, however, hold that there may be more to the scenario playing out than meet the eye. A PDP chieftain from one of the Southwest states who craved anonymity, alleged that notwithstanding the explanation anybody may give to the goings on, it is clear that all may not be well and that something is “seriously amiss”.
“Let’s face it, if the President of the country has written to inform the National Assembly of his intention to present the 2013 budget to the National Assembly, it is the height of disrespect to declare that we are not going to welcome him. Yes, the President has an option not to go and just send an aide, but if I were the President, I would go and let the people judge if their decision to shun the President is good judgment or a bad one. Let them mend their fences and give the people good governance and dividends of democracy”, he stated.
In like manner, another chieftain of the party from one of the Southsouth states fingered the politics of 2015 as “the factor stoking the fire”.
He told The Nation, while asking not to be named, that “permutation about what will happen in 2015 is driving the body language of these politicians. We are not deceived. We all know what is happening and you also know the way the Speaker emerged, he was certainly not the choice of the party leadership but once the opposition parties, in a bid to assert their relevance, decided to play a major role in the election of the Speaker, the PDP leadership lost it.
“I think they still regard that development as a slight, if not really anti-party on the part of the Speaker. But even at that, subsequent efforts to douse the tension have not met with any success. If the House raises an issue over the implementation of the budget, and the party and presidency reaches out to the House leadership, I think the House should sheathe its sword. Look at last month, there was an alarm that a grand plan to impeach the Speaker had been uncovered. And naturally, heads will turn in the direction of the presidency. All this further heat up the polity and I think the party has a role to play in calling seemingly big members of the party to order for peace to reign. The party should be supreme and whatever it decides should be final”, the party chieftain said.
Recently, it was alleged that the leadership of the PDP, purportedly acting in concert with the Presidency, wanted to impeach the Speaker over the handling of the bribery allegation against former chairman of the ad-hoc subsidy probe committee, Honourable Farouk Lawan.
It was alleged that the way the House handled the matter was not pleasing to the powers that be and that the development presented a veritable platform to deal with the Tambuwal ‘headache’ once and for all. Tambuwal, branded in some quarters as Opposition Speaker, is said to be a thorn in the flesh of the Executive. In May, he openly disagreed with President Jonathan at the 2012 Democracy Day National Symposium on the concept of Separation of Powers and budget preparation.
There is also the allegation that the Speaker’s popularity rating may be a source of worry in some quarters. This, according to political analysts, may not be unconnected with his resolve to always be on the side of the people. On several occasions, Tambuwal’s leadership has been brave enough to confront the executive.
Recently, the President and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) were forced to suspend their plans to introduce the N5000 note and coin some denominations which was popularly opposed by the people. But it was not only the House that made that possible. The Senate was even more critical in its criticism of the project.
Tambuwal, who represents Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, emerged as the Speaker against all odds. In June last year, the leadership of the ruling party was humiliated as members of the 7th House of Representatives defied its directive on zoning and elected Tambuwal as Speaker and Emeka Ihedioha (PDP, Imo) as Deputy Speaker. The duo were elected in the presence of the then Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Haliru Mohammed Bello, former BOT chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, Anyim and some state governors.
They include former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipriye Sylva, former Kogi State Governor, Ibrahim Idris, Zamfara State Governor, Abdul Azeez Yari, Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda.
Their presence in the gallery did not deter the lawmakers from going ahead with their ‘plot’ as they successfully jettisoned the party’s decision and picked candidates of their choice.
Tambuwal beat his only challenger, Hon. Mulikat Adeola-Akande from Oyo State who happened to be the PDP anointed candidate by 252 to 90 votes in an election that lasted for almost four hours, while Ihedioha was elected unopposed.
On that day, Tambuwal and Ihedioha who belonged to the same camp, disguised their dressing by wearing what they were never known or associated with in terms of dressing code. It was learnt then that it was to avoid being arrested in connection with an alleged N10 billion loan scam for which former Speaker, Dimeji Bankole was being held then by the Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC).
While Tambuwal who is known for his flowing Babariga was dressed in a pair of suit and a bowler cap to fit, Ihedioha noted for his Ibo traditional attire with his green cap chose to dress in a white agbada and mallam-like cap.
After the result was announced by the Clerk of the House, the new Speaker was immediately sworn in. His landslide victory forestalled further election for the position of Deputy Speaker as Hon. Dogara Yakubu and Ishaku Bawa who were also gunning for the position of Deputy Speaker withdrew, thereby clearing the coast for the emergence of Ihedioha without a contest.
In his acceptance speech, Tambuwal said the House was the House of the people and they had spoken through the election of the two of them.
But many Nigerians who have been curious may want to know exactly where to put the relationship between the President and the Speaker.
The Nation

S/African Firm Buys 63% Of Dangote Flour For $188m

  BLESSING ANARO WITH AGENCY REPORT

Aliko Dangote yesterday sold 63 per cent of Dangote Flour to South African consumer goods firm, Tiger Brands in a deal worth $188 million, brokers said.
The sale of 3.1 billion shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE) was done at N9.50 ($0.06) per share, after regulators’ approval last month.
The deal is Tiger Brands’ third and its biggest yet in Nigeria, which is seen as a growth area for consumer and food products.
The billionaire’s holding firm Dangote Industries Limited, will retain a 10 per cent stake in the flour mill after the shares of Dangote Flour were trading flat at N8.59 on the floor of the  Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE), as brokers said the deal had already been priced in.
BusinessDay, South Africa, said Tiger Brands, which bought a controlling stake in the Nigerian pasta, noodle and flour manufacturer, Dangote Flour Mills (DFM), this week, has capacity for further acquisitions and was looking at more opportunities on the continent.
“Even after the Dangote transaction, Tiger has a strong balance sheet with capacity for further appropriate acquisitions,” said company secretary, Ian Isdale.
Tiger Brands, SA’s biggest food manufacturer, which owns All Gold, Tastic and Beacon, is focusing mainly on the African continent, but will look at meaningful opportunities in Latin America, where it already has business interests in Chile, Isdale said.
The deal with DFM, which forms part of the business empire of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, may bring more than just financial benefits to Tiger. A successful business relationship with Dangote, who runs sugar, flour, freight and cement businesses in a number of African countries, may provide Tiger with further business opportunities on the continent.
Dangote, whose net worth is estimated at $11.2 billion by Forbes will retain a 10 per cent stake in DFM and the right to appoint two directors.
The facilities at DFM, with a 30 per cent market share in flour and 40 per cent in pasta in Nigeria, is “world-class” and no significant investment will be required to improve operations, Isdale said.
“The key challenges in Africa are securing appropriate supply chains for both inbound and outbound logistics and ensuring that the products meet the appropriate consumer needs of both price and quality,” he said.
Leadership

Nigeria needs accountable leaders – Cleric

BY OLAYINKA LATONA
The Chairman Board of Trustees of Yaba Baptist Church, Deacon Depo Tade has said that the way forward for Nigeria was the enthronement of a formidable and accountable leadership which must be responsible to the citizens.
Tade who made the remark at the beginning of  the 70th year anniversary of Yaba Baptist Church lamented that despite various natural and human resources that abound in the country, majority of Nigerians are wallowing in poverty.
Tade, however, urged leaders to prudently tap and manage the county resources in the interest of the people, adding that the governors have to develop policies that favour the people.
The chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Dr. Mike Dare said the church has not only been in the vanguard of propagating the gospel of Christ but has also imparted immensely into the society.
Vanguard

CBN: Lobby for Sanusi’s job begins

by Taiwo Adisa

HEAVYWEIGHTS on the political and economic fronts have kick-started strong lobbying in a bid to take over the job of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, which will be up in June 2014.
Sanusi was appointed CBN governor in June 2009 by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua following the exit of his predecessor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo.
Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune indicated that the presidency has been playing host to a number of lobby teams representing different interested parties.
Sources told Nigerian Tribune that the long list of lobbyists includes a serving governor, who is a banker, some economists, including a former occupant of the office and other politicians.
Sources confirmed that the quest to replace Sanusi became pronounced following indications that the incumbent CBN governor was making his way into the murky waters of politics.
Though Sanusi had denied reports linking him with the 2015 presidential race, it was confirmed that interests have started growing in the bid to replace Sanusi.
Besides those who are said to be convinced that they can do a better job than the incumbent, there are others whose interests are being canvassed by some political heavyweights, who are angered by Sanusi’s actions so far.
A source said that the serving governor from the North had made his intention known to the presidency, adding that the man is doing everything possible to get the job.
It was, however, gathered that the calculation of the serving governor is that Sanusi’s job would be up in 2014 and that he would not be losing too much if he leaves the governorship seat just a year to the end of his tenure in 2015.
Sources said that while the presidency has not made up its mind on whether or not to re-appoint Sanusi, a variety of lobbyists are pushing hard that he should not return.
Aside the serving governor, another member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) is also said to be eyeing the governorship of the apex bank. It was gathered that lobbying is being intensified at various layers.
“One of the arguments out there is that Sanusi has refused to defend the naira since he assumed office. When he took over, the naira was around N119 to the dollar, now it hovers around N158 and N160 to the dollar. That cannot be said to be a good legacy,” one of the sources promoting a candidate said on Wednesday.
It was also gathered that a number of politicians have sent words to President Jonathan to do away with Sanusi because of the alleged presidential ambition in 2015.
A source said in a normal clime, the alleged presidential ambition was enough to sack Sanusi, as, according to him, “mixing politics with the management of the economy is a dangerous trend.”
It was also gathered that the battle for Sanusi’s job was not only restricted to the North, as some economists from the South-West, as well as South-East, were said to be well positioned.
“No fewer than 12 persons have, so far, been linked with the job. A number of them have made contacts with the presidency through some aides and other influential figures.
“One of those persons is trying to make a return to the apex bank, but it is the duty of the president to separate the men from the boys,” a source stated.
Nigerian Tribune

FG in Bakassi U-turn • Jonathan directs Adoke to ‘appeal’ ICJ ruling • Nigeria to base legal battle on ‘fresh facts’

by John Ameh and Olalekan Adetayo

THERE were indications on Thursday that the Federal Government was set to ask for a review of the judgment of the International Court of Justice which ceded the oil rich Bakassi Peninsula to neighbouring Cameroon.

The PUNCH learnt in Abuja that President Goodluck Jonathan had directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), to file for a review of the judgement delivered 10 years ago.

Nigeria has barely one week remaining before the window for a review against the judgment closes. The country has till October 9, 2012 to seek for the review of the judgment delivered on October 10, 2002.

Under the ICJ statute, aggrieved parties have no right to appeal judgments but under its Article 61 one could seek for a review of decided cases within 10 years if fresh facts  emerged after the judgment.

Jonathan reportedly passed the directive to Adoke after a late night meeting between the President and the leadership of the National Assembly on Wednesday. The meeting held at the Aso Rock Villa.

At the meeting were Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal; and some other principal officers of the National Assembly.

Others included the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio; Secretary to the Government of the Federation,  Anyim Pius Anyim, and Adoke.

Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, who also attended the meeting told State House correspondents thereafter that a committee had been set up to explore the review option and that the committee would also consider how to take care of the displaced people of Bakassi.

Imoke who did not disclose the composition of the committee said it would work within a specified time.

The Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr. Leo Ogor, who was also part of the meeting, hinted on Thursday that the Federal Government had decided to review the judgment.

“I attended a meeting where this issue was discussed and I can confirm that Mr. President instructed the AGF to file for the review.

“Mr. President directed him to comply with the resolution of the House on the Bakassi issue”, Ogor stated in Abuja.

Adoke was also scheduled to attend an investigative hearing at the House on Thursday but he did not turn up.

He had written the House pleading for a shift of the event on the grounds that he had a pressing national assignment of attending to the review of the ICJ judgment on Bakassi.

The House had on Thursday last week passed a resolution advising the government to file for a review of the judgment.

The resolution followed an investigation into the Bakassi dispute by its Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs/Justice.

The committee, which was headed by Ms Nnena Ukeje, had recommended that due to “fresh facts” now at the disposal of Nigeria, it was in the interest of the country to file for a review of the judgment.

The Ukeje committee had said, “There are new grounds to enter a review for the judgment.

“One of the issues that has come to the fore is the fact that the 1913 Treaty, which the court based its decision has been faulted.”

The committee had also observed that Nigeria had yet to ratify the 2006 Green Tree Agreement under which the Federal Government ceded Bakassi to Cameroon.

The committee told the House that by the provisions of Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), no treaty could be binding on Nigeria until it is ratified by an Act of the National Assembly.

Part of the committee’s recommendation reads, “The GTA is a clear violation of Section 12 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that ‘no treaty between the Federal Government and any other country shall have the force of law except to the extent to which any such treaty have been enacted into law by the National Assembly.”

The Senate passed a similar resolution, calling on the government to file for the review.

Until the pressure from the National Assembly, the Federal Government had consistently argued that Nigeria had no grounds to enter for a review of the judgment.

In 2006, under the watch of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Federal Government signed the GTA with Cameroon and ceded the oil-rich territory, but the Bakassi people have continued to complain of unfair deal by Cameroon.

The Punch

Mahram: Who gets the blame?

By Ishola Haroon Balogun
The concept of mahram in Islam can be viewed in two ways; the aspect of genealogy and that of protection for women. The aspect of genealogy has to do with those who have close consanguinity, like husband, brother, step brother and close family members, a male companion for a woman who cannot marry her.
The other aspect has to do with protection for  a woman on a journey that is said to be more than two to three days. Siblings, parents, uncles, step brothers and cousins  could serve as mahram because of their close relationship.
Thus, mahram for a woman is someone who, due to closeness of relationship, is forbidden to be married. So, a relative who is called mahram would be honored to care for and protect the woman on a journey from possible abuse. It is generally believed that women feel safe and comfortable in a long journey, accompanied by their own kin. In fact, that is one of the bases for mahram.
It is not an evil assumption about the woman and her manners, as some  non-muslims insinuate, but it is to take care of her reputation, dignity and safety. It is to protect her from the desires of those who have diseased hearts, and of course to make her comfortable.
A hadith says: “It is unlawful for a woman who believes in Allah and the last day that she travels the distance of one day and one night without a Mahram accompanying her”. (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 1038). There are several hadiths that elucidate on the need for protection of women on a journey.
The government of Saudi Arabia long time ago determined Mahram as one of the rules for Hajj, where Muslim women who wish to perform Hajj or Umrah shall be accompanied by a mahram. The issue of mahram therefore is not new to Muslims neither is it new to those in charge of Hajj preparation. But the sudden episodes where over 1000 pilgrims were deported last week was very disturbing.
Even as at press time, reports reaching us indicated that some pilgrims were instructed to return to the country for same reason. How did these pilgrims procured their visas in the first place?  What is the involvement of the Hajj Commission in all of these and in a bid to ensure a hitch free exercise, how did they treat the issue? Even after the Saudi government issued a statement a few days ago, some pilgrims were still being detained in Jeddah as at Wednesday.
The statement which reads in part says: “In spite of all of this, a Nigerian flight with female pilgrims unaccompanied by their male guardians also arrived Jeddah Monday…” It furthers states that “Hajj visas could only be issued to female pilgrims after the names of their guardians (mahram) should arrive with them on the same flight, otherwise, the inclusion of the names of their guardians (mahram) will be of no use.”
We have never had it so bad in the history of hajj exercise. Those who have gone however noted how emergency arrangements of adoptive mahram take place in order to gain entry.  But is that right?
Basically, there is no argument against the policy of mahram but what is mind-bugling is the way it was carried out as well as the manner with which our officials handled the matter.
One is that the Saudi authority who hitherto relaxed the policy should have given adequate information on its preparedness not to leave any stone unturned in implementing the policy this year even at the point of visas procurement. Our women as well as those from other countries were in the holy land last year and there was no report of any kind of deportation as a result of mahram; at least, not this alarming number.
Is it that the Saudi government decided to be tough this year or that pilgrims suddenly became heedless of mahram policy? If the Saudi decided to be tough this year, at least there should have been adequate information and ways of guiding intending pilgrims since it is an act of worship.  It will benefit nobody that fellow Muslims who are anxious and spiritually ready to perform the once-in-a-life-time rites are turned back for mahram which many of them did not prepare for.
Secondly, the Hajj commission which should have tidied up every aspect of the requirment decided not to give the policy the treatment it deserves, hence we were wrapped in this mess. It also shows that the Hajj Commission and Boards have not been living up to their expectation as regards the preparation, lectures and seminars for intending pilgrims.
What else is the job of a commission if not to guide intending pilgrims on the rules. Even at the point of boarding, it shows that we are not in tune with the policy of the Saudi authority on the issue of mahram until after about 1000 pilgrims were deported and we are pretending to be working.
The deportees are also not absolved of blame. Many of them, unfortunately, viewed and looked at mahram as solely state’s obligation or the commission’s duty to provide protection for those undergoing the hajj from their states. That is why many of them treated the issue of mahram with kid gloves while some resorted to arrangee matching at the point of entry.
The existence of this regulation or its enforcement should not be allowed to create undue apprehension and anxieties for intending pilgrims; something drastic and urgent needs to be done to stop this embarrassment. Nigerian pilgrims should be seen as being law abiding right from the point of boarding, through out the exercise and landing.
This is undoubtedly the function of the commission and the various state pilgrims boards. Since the Saudi authority is bent on implementing the policy to the latter, then the Commission and the various boards should appropriately guide intending pilgrims on the various policies of the Saudi government relating to hajj.
Every act towards assisting an intending pilgrim to achieving a hitch free hajj is also an act of ibadah. May Allah forgive us all.
Vanguard

The military put Nigeria behind – Osunbor

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Former Edo State Governor, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, in this interview with Daily Sun, says the leadership in Nigeria has to raise the bar of governance to help the citizens make meaning of the nation’s  independence. He spoke on several other issues. IHEANACHO NWOSU met with him and presents the excerpts.
Many people feel that the 52nd anniversary of Nigeria is not worth celebrating. What is your take on this, considering the deteriorating standard of living of Nigerians?
Well, there are many people, who believe that it is not worth celebrating while others feel that it is good to always reflect. I personally believe that October 1 deserves to be marked. The next question from there is how elaborate should an event be marked? You can either celebrate an event on a large scale or in a low keyed manner.
Sometimes, you mark 40th, 50th, 60th or 70th but if you are celebrating birthdays like 43rd, 26th or 66th, there is nothing to really celebrate.
At this point in time, are we celebrating it on a big scale? We did that when we attained golden jubilee some two years ago on a big scale and this could be celebrated on a small scale of course. That is my personal view.
But a situation where there is unemployment, insecurity, terrorism, corruption in high places is there any point celebrating it?
Again, people surprise me when they say government is not doing anything. For example, when government started an intervention scheme to save the lives of pregnant women to reduce maternal deaths, people started saying government should have looked at other areas like malaria. The question is should government shut its eyes on other sectors when there are a variety of things that should be done? You have to consider how much resources that should be deployed into different sectors because governance is all embracing.  What is important is if you consider the number of pregnant women dying which is alarming  when compared to  other places, and  people still argue that it is a displaced programme. On the issue of national security, I agree with you that government should do something. But let me go back to your fist question where you mentioned that the situation of  Nigerians was worst than the previous years.  Nigerians now have more access to communications via the telephone. There is greater access to education than the previous years particularly in the last 12 years of democratic governance in the country. I equally understand that electricity generation is on the increase. I understand that government is building more plants nationwide. Some of these infrastructure were left to die in the 30 years of military rule and the infrastructure became dilapidated. There is government interventions in all spheres so when I hear people say we are worse off, I think we are better off. I know we earned so much from oil which is the mainstay of our economy, and would have invested more. But more of the resources went into private pockets. This is because we have not gotten the kind of leadership some countries are blessed with.
Such countries have gone far ahead of Nigeria. We suffered a lot of retardation due to military incursion into civil administration. We cannot keep the pace, especially with the Asian  countries but we are making progress.
Now people are talking about corruption. During the military rule, can you dare talk about corruption?
People are talking about the implementation of the 2012 budget can you talk about budget implementation during the military era? You just cast your mind back to the military era. So when people are talking about corruption now, it is because you can now scrutinize things unlike the military era. You remember that during the military era, adulterated fuel was imported into the country  nobody voiced out anything but now under democracy  people can ask questions .
But it is being argued in some quarters that state Governors do not obey court orders thereby making the jobs of judges more difficult. What was your experience like when you were Governor?
As a lawyer I respect the rule of law a great deal and as a Governor I never disobeyed any court order.  I told you my contributions in the Senate and during  my time I obeyed all court orders. Again, we should not generalize, some Governors do obey court orders. Again there are Governors who benefited from the judiciary who do not respect court orders. So it is true that there are many Governors who do not respect court orders.
What is your take on the current insecurity in the country where Boko Haram and other criminal activities have led to killings and destruction of property   in the last 18 months?
I quite agree with the heightened level of insecurity in the country in the past two years precisely 2010. It is a matter of serious concern because no country can develop where there is no peace and there is constant fear.  Now, people are even scared to go to the market and even churches, the mosques are not exempted too. You can’t be sure that you will go to the market, and come back with your limbs or life complete. We must not ignore it. At the Federal level we must not ignore it and at the states and Local Government levels, the same thing applies.
We are at the path of winning the war and as you are aware, you cannot attain 100 per cent security and the policy of liberty is eternal vigilance. I am an optimist and very optimistic about the future of Nigeria. On whether Nigeria will be able to survive, we have always survived right from the time of wetie in the Western Region. Even at the peak of the civil strife people had thought Nigeria will disintegrate but we survived it. During the reign of Abacha, people had thought we may not survive but we survived it, and even at times in the Senate we thought along that line but somehow Nigeria has managed to survive its tribulations. We have always pulled through. We had always survived as we had done in the past and find lasting solutions to these destabilising factors and remained one indivisible entity. Education will go a long way to help us solve these problems, education is central to what we are doing once we have sufficient education nationwide we will surmount the insurmountable.
What is your take on the creation of state police?
In my personal opinion, there is need for devolution of power, the Federal should devolve some powers to the states, that is the principle I will support  not state police we are not ripe for that now. If you look at Federal institutions and compare them with state institutions there is no doubt that the Federal institutions far better. The Nigeria Police is a Federal institution, I do not think any state can set up police that will be comparable to Federal police both in standard and quality.
The National Assembly at the Federal level fare better than the state legislature . At the state level, the legislators dare not ask the kind of questions the Federal legislators ask the President. Here at the Federal level, the members elect their principal officers internally but at the state level it is the Governors who decide not the members. Look at the educational sectors, unity schools are better than state owned schools, look at the Federal Polytechnic they are better than state owned polytechnics and the Federal universities are better than state owned universities. Also I do not think anybody can compare state electoral commissions to INEC. Take a look at elections conducted by INEC in terms of credibility, fairness and transparency when compared to elections conducted by state electoral commissions. The relationship between the Federal Government and the states is far better than the relationship between the states and Local Governments. The Federal Government releases funds directly to the states but monies that comes to the local governments are pocketed and expended as the Governor pleases and many other areas.
Another disturbing area is that if you decide to float a state police in the 36 states of the federation, and all are importing arms and ammunition  into the country for their police force is that the kind of thing we want to encourage.
Look t this scenario, supposing a group of states within a part of the country have police force and they had procured ammunition  and the Governors are in opposition and there is a clash between those police controlled by those states can you imagine what it will snowball into and what is the jurisdiction of the state will it be co-terminus to others.
So these are constitutional issues that needed to be addressed. People are looking at Governors intervention but I am looking at how to overcome it. If a local police makes an arrest can the offender be tried in a Federal High Court.
The problems are not insurmountable but they will require a lot of efforts at amending our constitution and expending our time and resources on such details at this point in time. I believe that if the constitution and the rule if law is allowed to work properly there will be no need for it.